This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

背伸び

背延び、 背のび

Reading

Kana: せのび
Romaji: senobi
Kana
Romaji

Definitions

vs
1

standing on tiptoe and stretching one's back to make oneself taller; stretching oneself

2

overreaching oneself; overstretching oneself; trying to do something beyond one's ability; pushing to the limit

Kanji

Readings: ハイ、 せ、 せい、 そむ.く、 そむ.ける
Meanings: stature, height, back, behind, disobey, defy, go back on, rebel
Readings: シン、 の.びる、 の.ばす、 の.べる、 の.す
Meanings: expand, stretch, extend, lengthen, increase
Readings: エン、 の.びる、 の.べる、 の.べ、 の.ばす
Meanings: prolong, stretching

Example Sentence

(かれ)背伸(せの)びをして失敗(しっぱい)した。
➥He bit off more than he could chew.
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